Coach Dan Ray Hooks

Coach Dan Ray Hooks, 87, of Orange, Texas, passed away on December 9, 2025, at home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 22, 2025, at West Orange Cove CISD Event Center. Officiating will be Reverend Damon Bickham. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Orange.

Visitation will be from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m., Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Mont Belvieu, Texas, on August 25, 1938, he was the son of Selman “Dutch” Ray Hooks and Lucy Mae (Berry) Hooks. He was a beloved teacher and coach for the West Orange-Cove Independent School District, where he made a significant impact on the lives of many young athletes. Dan was not only a dedicated coach, but also a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He will be remembered for his quick wit and one-liners, which brought laughter to all who knew him. His remarkable career in coaching saw him lead the Mustangs to the State Championship game four times, achieving back-to-back victories in 1986 and 1987. Throughout his career, he amassed a record that included 12 District Championships and 19 Playoff appearances, showcasing his exceptional skills and dedication to the sport. In recognition of his contributions, Dan was inducted into several Hall of Fames, including the Texas High School Hall of Fame, the Greater Houston Football Coaches Hall of Fame, and the Southeast Texas Coaches Hall of Fame. His coaching legacy continued to resonate, as he was named one of the Top 50 most memorable coaches by Texas Football magazine. In 2006, the football stadium was renamed in his honor, a fitting tribute to a man who gave so much to his community and his players. Dan's personality drew people to him. He had a talent for storytelling and always offered honest answers, making him a respected figure both on and off the field. His presence will be deeply missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dutch and Lucy Mae Hooks; brother, Hal Lynn Hooks; sister, Lilla Savage; and brother-in-law, Rebel Savage.

He is survived by his loving wife over 54 years, Cynthia Hooks; son, David R. Jones, M.D. and wife Danika; daughters, DeeDee Viator Peery and husband Gary, Shae Lynn Hooks and Josh Massengale, and Tonya Hooks; grandchildren, Whitney Delaney and husband Michael, Alexa Moerbe and husband Kurt, Ashton Hunter and wife Bailey, James Brennan Jones, Jacob Viator, Amber Viator, and Steeley Rhea Franklin; great grandchildren, Colton Delaney, Oliver Delaney, Eloise Delaney, Ryleigh Moerbe, Emma Moerbe, Rhett Moerbe, and Bodhi Hunter; numerous other loving family and friends.

A special thank you to Thereze Sichko for all of her wonderful care, support, and dedication to the Hooks family over the years.